A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Ponmile Omidiji, has congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the safe rescue and release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Hon. Omidiji, who was the 2023 Director of Youths and Students, Oyo North Senatorial District, APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council, also called on authorities to immortalize three persons who paid the ultimate price during the incident and rescue operation.
The victims regained their freedom on July 10, 2026, following a coordinated security operation.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday, Omidiji described the successful rescue as “a testament to the resilience, professionalism, courage, and coordinated efforts of our security agenciesOriire Rescue: APC Chieftain Omidiji Seeks Honours for Slain Teachers, Army Officer.”
The APC chieftain said the operation “has restored hope to the affected families and reaffirmed that the safety and security of Nigerians remain a national priority.”
He expressed “profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the unwavering support given to the security agencies throughout the rescue operation.”
Omidiji also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Ibadan, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and “every other security and paramilitary agency that contributed to the success of this operation.”
“Your dedication, patriotism, professionalism, and sacrifice are deeply appreciated and celebrated by all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
While celebrating the safe return of the victims, Omidiji said Nigerians “must never forget those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty and in service to humanity.”
He solemnly honoured Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a dedicated Mathematics teacher who was murdered by his abductors while still in captivity. “His commitment to education and his ultimate sacrifice deserve lasting recognition,” Omidiji stated.
He respectfully recommended that Memorial Grammar School, Orire-Esinele, Oyo State, be renamed in Oyedokun’s honour “as a lasting memorial to his life, service, and dedication to the education of our children.”
The APC chieftain also remembered Mr. Adesiyan Joel Adegboye, Assistant Headmaster, who was “tragically shot dead during the initial attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esinele.”
“His bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten,” Omidiji said, adding that he “respectfully recommends that the affected primary school be renamed after Mr. Adesiyan Joel Adegboye to immortalize his legacy and inspire future generations.”
He noted that “these two gallant educators died while serving their pupils and their communities. Their families deserve more than our sympathy; they deserve sustained support, recognition, and every necessary assistance from government and society.”
The APC chieftain suggested that the rescued school children should be awarded scholarships to further their education in military schools, where they will be able to relate their experiences in captivity for 56 days.
Omidiji further paid glowing tribute to Lieutenant Felix A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, who “made the supreme sacrifice during the military operation that successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from the Old Oyo National Park.”
He described Lt. Isaac’s courage, patriotism, and “unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives” as representing “the finest traditions of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Hon. Omidiji recommended that the Nigerian Army immortalize Lieutenant Felix A. Isaac “by naming a street, office block, or another suitable military facility, particularly within the Ojoo Military Cantonment, Ibadan, after him as a permanent reminder of his selfless sacrifice in service to Nigeria.”
“A nation that honours its heroes inspires future generations to serve with courage, integrity, and patriotism. Let these noble men never be forgotten. Their sacrifices must continue to remind us of the true cost of peace, security, and quality education,” he said.
Omidiji prayed: “May the souls of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, Mr. Adesiyan Joel Adegboye, and Lieutenant Felix A. Isaac rest in perfect peace. May Almighty God continue to comfort their families and grant them the strength to bear these irreplaceable losses.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to “remain united in supporting our security agencies as they continue to defend our nation and protect the lives of every Nigerian,” and ended with, “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
